BBC hails viewing figures for Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

The BBC has highlighted the huge viewing figures its Thames Diamond Jubilee programme enjoyed in the face of high-profile criticism of the coverage.

According to telegraph.co.uk, a spokesman noted that an average of 10.3 million people watched the four and a half hour show, which broadcast images from the 1,000-boat floatilla along the Thames River in honour of the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

A 15-minute peak of 11.9 million viewers accounted for 61 per cent share of the total television audience, with the BBC representative pointing out that once viewing figures surpassed ten million they did not drop below this milestone.

The spokesman had nothing but praise for the people in broadcast jobs working during the occasion, saying: “We’re very proud of the quality and breadth of the BBC’s coverage of this extraordinary event.”

In contrast, the BBC was the subject of criticism and “fierce attacks” from a number of newspapers, including the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph, according to ft.com. Comments appear to have been prompted by the nature of the coverage, which some thought was poorly presented.

On top of this poor reception from certain publications, there were negative remarks made by high-profile individuals such as broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, television personality Stephen Fry and former editor of the BBC’s ‘Today’ show Kevin Marsh.